Kuala Lumpur, 20 March 2024 – In a heartfelt response to the earthquake that struck the Ishikawa prefecture in Japan on New Year’s Day 2024, the Malaysian AEON Foundation (MAF) and AEON Credit (M) Berhad (ACS) successfully concluded the Japan Earthquake Donation Drive, raising a sum of RM500,000.00.

The donation was officially presented by Datuk Iskandar Sarudin, Chairman of AEON and President of MAF and Ng Eng Kiat, Chairman of ACS to His Excellency Takahashi Katsuhiko, the Ambassador of Japan. The simple yet meaningful ceremony took place at Japan Embassy in Kuala Lumpur last Friday. This initiative affirms MAF commitment in supporting the victims and families affected by this natural disaster.

The Japan Earthquake Donation Drive, initiated by MAF, AEON CO. (M) BHD. and ACS on January this year, garnered contributions from individuals, stakeholders, and customers. The initiative brought together communities by encouraging donations through loose coin boxes strategically placed at AEON Stores and AEON Malls nationwide. Donations also made through the AEON Foundation website, the touchNgo platform, and via QR Code.

Present at the ceremony were Datuk Iskandar Sarudin-Chairman of AEON and President of MAF, Ng Eng Kiat-Chairman of ACS, Naoya Okada-Managing Director of AEON, Dr. Kasuma Satria Mat Jadi-MAF Committee and Chief Human Resources of AEON, Faizul Hamzah-MAF Committee and Chief Risk Officer of ACS, Lee Kit Seong-Chief Corporate Officer of ACS and Keiji Ono-Vice President of MAF.

According to Datuk Iskandar Sarudin, “We are committed to making a positive impact in the communities we serve. The total contributions are from MAF, ACL and also the public. The earthquake in Japan has caused a significant humanitarian crisis, and we are doing our part to support the ongoing relief efforts.”

The 7.5 magnitude earthquake that struck the West Coast of Japan resulted in the tragic loss of dozens of lives and left numerous buildings in ruins. It marked the strongest quake to hit the prefecture in over a century.

The Malaysian AEON Foundation, the corporate responsibility arm of AEON Group Malaysia, remains steadfast in its commitment to aiding those lacking access to basic needs such as education, shelter, and medical support. Beyond immediate relief, MAF seeks to guide younger generations in addressing contemporary social challenges, irrespective of race or religion, fostering their potential for a more meaningful future.